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WIPP: New report shows no signs of radiation in water samples

Carlsbad Current-Argus

Posted:
04/13/2014 07:29:01 AM MDT

Current-Argus reports

CARLSBAD >> Water samples collected in late March from three area reservoirs showed no sign of detectable contamination related to a Feb. 14 radiation leak at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant, located 26 miles east of Carlsbad.

According to a news release from WIPP officials, data showed that samples were below the minimum detectable concentration level; there were no signs of americium or plutonium, both radioactive isotopes that leaked out of nuclear waste storage container.

Technicians from Carlsbad Environmental Monitoring and Research Center took samples on March 20 and March 28 from Brantley Lake and Red Bluff Lake, according to the release. Samples were collected from shallow and deep water areas.

Sediment samples from the reservoirs were also collected, however CEMRC is still analyzing the samples and will release the data reports some time in the future.

CEMRC officials say they are continuing to collect air samples in the area to monitor radiation levels, according to the report.

The last time any radiation was detected above ground at WIPP was Feb. 18.